Category: Sweden

In 1940, the Swedish army experienced an acute need for armored vehicles. One of the solutions to the problem was the modernization of the L-60 tanks. The first 100 modernized vehicles received improved armor and a new automatic transmission. Modernization was performed by AB Landsverk; this is why these vehicles entered service named Strv m/40L. Later, vehicles that were manufactured at the factory in Karlstad were equipped with more powerful engines, improved suspension, and armor. These vehicles were designated Strv m/40K.

Developed on the basis of the L-60 light tank by AB Landsverk. During mass production, the vehicle underwent several modernizations. A total of 216 vehicles of different variants were produced from 1939 through 1944. The vehicle remained in the service of the Swedish army until the 1960s.

Designed by Landsverk AB in 1934 as a further development for the L-10 tank. The vehicle configuration featured a number of revolutionary solutions. Four vehicles were sold to Austria, Hungary, and Ireland. After several upgrades, the vehicle entered service in Sweden under the Stridsvagn m/38 designation.

The LK II tank was developed in Germany in 1918. The vehicle underwent trials, and the German army placed an order for 1,000 tanks. However, the order was not completed before the end of World War I. In 1920, Germany sold 10 LK II vehicles to Sweden, which entered service under the designation Stridsvagn fm/21. In 1929-1932, the vehicles underwent modernization and received more powerful engines and improved frontal armor. All modernized vehicles were designated Stridsvagn m/21-29 and were used for training purposes until 1940.

About 240 Centurion Mk. III and Mk. V tanks were purchased for the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces. The vehicles were designated Strv 81, underwent multiple modernizations and remained in service until the early 2000s. In August 2017, one vehicle was presented to the Swedish band Sabaton and was brutally customized—the British steel was reforged to pure Swedish metal, and thus it became the true headbanger tank.

Developed by the Swedish company, Landsverk, for the Swiss Armed Forces. The tank was supposed to feature a Swiss copy of the British 20-pounder tank gun. A full-size prototype was produced to test the developed solutions, but all activities were discontinued in favor of the 30-ton class vehicle. No metal prototype was produced.

In the late 1940s, Landsverk developed a series of tanks that were primarily intended for export. The Strv Leo medium tank was the heaviest in the series. The army took an interest in the project, but it did not offer considerable advantages over foreign peers that were available for purchase. Eventually, they favored another project.

In the early 1950s, the Centurion medium tank entered service in the Swedish army, yet a lighter and more maneuverable vehicle was required. It was decided to modernize the old Strv m/42 vehicles by equipping them with a new turret and armament. The tank received a new name, Strv 74. A total of 225 vehicles were manufactured from 1957 through 1960. The Swedish army continued to use the vehicle until the end of 1984.

Developed on the basis of the Lago medium tank in the 1930s. The 75-mm Bofors gun was mounted on the 22.5-ton tank. A total of 282 vehicles of different variants were produced. The TM, TH, and TV variants used the Scania-Vabis L-603 twin engines, which provided 160 h.p., while the Strv m/42 EH tanks were powered by a single Volvo A8B engine that provided 370 h.p.